Evanston is expanding its Fourth of July festivities as part of this year’s celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.

The Evanston 4th of July Association and city have together contributed $20,000 in additional funds for extra fireworks and a larger parade, association members announced at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Parade participants will starting march at 2 p.m. on Central Street toward Ryan Field. Fireworks will be held at 9:15 p.m., accompanied by musical acts.

Nine sites at schools, community centers and parks around Evanston will be designated for playground activity with events such as races, jump rope and pie-eating contests. The youth activities will start 9 a.m. and end as late as noon at a few locations, including the Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St.

Children can also enter a half-mile run beginning at Ackerman Park on the corner of Central Street and McDaniel Avenue. The registration fee is $10, and all proceeds go to the association.

— Edward Cox